Karen Wanlass

Karen Sue (Peterson) Wanlass passed away at home on December 31, 2025. Karen was born in Fresno, California on May 7, 1949 to Robert Elwood Peterson and Afton Hill Peterson. She moved with her family at an early age to Salt Lake City, Utah. She married her high school sweetheart, Dennis Wanlass, in 1966.

Karen loved life and was always game for an adventure. From family trips to Lake Powell to African safaris, from cruising the Caribbean to touring Europe, Karen loved travel. She made lifelong friends wherever she went. Although most of her life was spent in Utah, Karen spent some of the last years of Dennis’s career in West Virgina.

Karen was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She emanated light, and exemplified Christ-like love in all her many callings. In 2015, Karen and Dennis were called to serve a mission at the Los Angeles Temple Visitors Center, where she completely adored, and mothered, all her sister missionaries.

Karen and Dennis raised five children together. Karen was a devoted mom, Grammy, and G.G. (great-grandma). She put her whole heart into every bear hug, and she signed “I love you” at every parting. Mom, in our hearts we know you’re funny, and we love you more.

Survived by her children Stacy Underwood, Stephanie (Scott) Jensen, Robert “Denny” (Jennifer) Wanlass, Lindsay (Travis) Young, and Julie Hemmert, as well as 17 grandchildren (including in-laws) and 2 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her husband Dennis Wanlass, her parents Bob and Afton Peterson, and sister Peggy Martin.

A viewing will be held on January 9, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Mortuary, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah. Funeral services will be held on January 10, 2026 at the River Ridge 12th Ward Meeting House located at 1244 W. Chavez Drive, South Jordan, Utah beginning at 11:00 am. A second viewing will be held prior to the service at the church from 10:00-10:45 am. Interment will be at Riverton City Cemetery, 1500 W. 13200 S., Riverton, Utah. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LDS Church Missionary Fund, philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org